Starting college is a daunting but exciting chapter in the lives of young students. As their college start date edges ever closer and you’re starting to plan your goodbyes, now’s the time to have some important conversations with your teen. Very soon, they will embark on an incredible new journey, as they fly the nest and head off to university.
This exciting transition will lead to many new opportunities that could help to shape the rest of their lives. But along with all the freedom and independence that comes with starting college, your child will also have unfamiliar responsibilities and challenges as they take the next steps into adulthood.
While it can be difficult to let go and easy to put off these conversations that’ll aid their independence, there are a few important topics every parent should discuss with their child before they start college. How well these conversations go could have a major impact on how smoothly they navigate the daunting first few months and their potential for future success. Some things are better learned from experience, but having thoughtful guidance from loved ones on certain key issues can help smooth the path ahead.
The following are three conversations all parents should make sure to cover with their children before they head off to college.
Money
Often considered something of a taboo topic, money matters can be incredibly difficult to talk about in family settings. But, as your child takes complete control of their own money – potentially for the first time in their lives – it’s a subject you can’t ignore before waving goodbye.
Beyond general advice when it comes to money management and budgeting at university, one of the most useful and important things you can do is support them in setting up a student bank account. Most, if not all, of the main banks will offer some form of account aimed to support young adults in taking control of their college finances. Help them research the different options available and the benefits of each to ensure they can get the most from their money.
Making ends meet is one of the most common worries among the student population. In fact, according to recent data, 70% of students across America are stressed about their financial situation. Helping to educate your child as best you can about good financial habits will help them to feel more in control as they start their course.
Life skills
While in college, students learn how to look after themselves during their time away from home. Cooking, cleaning, shopping, and all the other tasks that are usually done by mom and dad are suddenly added to the student’s to-do list. While these everyday chores may seem like second nature to parents, for young people who perhaps aren’t used to taking on these responsibilities, it can feel a little overwhelming.
If they’re not familiar with household chores and can’t even tell you where to find the soap or pans, it’s important to talk them through the things they’ll have to start doing for themselves. A few demonstrations can go a long way, especially when it comes to things like washing their clothes and basic cooking skills. It can also be helpful to equip them with a list of easy lunches and dinners they can prepare themselves with few ingredients and little preparation. Give them the tools they need to cook for themselves, then cross your fingers that your efforts aren’t all in vain as they dream of a diet of takeaways.
Remind them you are here
Above all, let them know that wherever they’re studying, across the country or abroad, you’ll always be just a phone call away. As important as these pre-college conversations are, you’re not going to be able to give them all the advice that’ll see them through four years or more of school in one go. There are going to be situations that neither of you could have envisioned or prepared for, so encourage them to keep an open dialogue during their time away.
Remind them that they can get in touch with you with any problems or questions at any time. But also encourage them to also just say ‘hi’ at times – they don’t need a problem for a reason to pick up the phone. At the same time, remember that your little one is now an adult, and you’ll want to give them enough space to do some growing up and enjoy their independence during their time away. Amidst the whirlwind of starting college, having someone to lean on for support just the other end of the phone is invaluable.
Conclusion
College readiness is usually about coursework, standardized test scores, and applications. Educate. Radiate. Elevate. is a nonprofit tutoring company that guides students every step of the way toward college. Our expert mentors assist low-income students with their classes, preparing for exams, and researching and applying for college – all at no cost to their families. Once our students are accepted to their dream college, we encourage their parents and guardians to follow our advice to help their child start college on the right foot. For example, teaching them about money and vital life skills, as well as being available when needed, are all recommendations to make the child’s college experience optimal. College is the gateway to a career and real life, and thus a perfect opportunity to master essential skills for lifelong success.
